Oriantation of smoothing/filter electrolitics.

alibear · 23rd January 2012, 04:51 PM

Hi all, seems I'm always asking questions but here go'es.
Are there any views about mounting smoothing capacitors in power supplies, which is most favorable- mounting them vertical or horizontal.I'm talking about large value ( 47,000 micro farad ).
The reason I ask is I am trying to fit them in a confined space and fitting them horizontaly would be easier, but I think I read that they dry out if they are mounted that way. Any thoughts?
thanks
Alan

DarthBubba · 23rd January 2012, 07:09 PM

Vertical is best. That is because if they overheat and have to vent they will likely expel gases before electrolyte, which may give you time to shut everything off and minimize damage. If mounted horizontally, put the vent plug at the top for the same reason and try to lay out your system so that any expelled electrolyte is aimed away from the expen$ive parts. In the horizontal position expulsion of electrolyte is far more likely if the cap overheats.

Using high-temp caps, in-rush limiters, overheat and overcurrent safe guards (obviously) minimizes the likelihood of failure.

23rd January 2012, 04:51 PM	#1
alibear diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Somerset	Oriantation of smoothing/filter electrolitics. Hi all, seems I'm always asking questions but here go'es. Are there any views about mounting smoothing capacitors in power supplies, which is most favorable- mounting them vertical or horizontal.I'm talking about large value ( 47,000 micro farad ). The reason I ask is I am trying to fit them in a confined space and fitting them horizontaly would be easier, but I think I read that they dry out if they are mounted that way. Any thoughts? thanks Alan

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23rd January 2012, 07:09 PM	#2
DarthBubba diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: The Heart of Darkness, GA	Vertical is best. That is because if they overheat and have to vent they will likely expel gases before electrolyte, which may give you time to shut everything off and minimize damage. If mounted horizontally, put the vent plug at the top for the same reason and try to lay out your system so that any expelled electrolyte is aimed away from the expen$ive parts. In the horizontal position expulsion of electrolyte is far more likely if the cap overheats. Using high-temp caps, in-rush limiters, overheat and overcurrent safe guards (obviously) minimizes the likelihood of failure.

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